New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1887-04-14
IN OFFER IN JEST TAKEN IN E1RNEST

PRODUCE EXCHANGE MEMBERS AMUSED BY A
CoMPL.INT-AMUsING TESTIMONY.
The dgnihed manner of aged ex President Hnckcn,
chairman Of the Complaint Committee of the Produce
Exchange his looks OF disapproya his determined
welding OF tho gave and his words OF caution against
spontaneous unequal to tine task OF
preventing Of laughter and shouts applause and
cheers OF the multitude OF members that crowded In and
about the Complaint Committees yesterday after
noon to listen TO, or rather VIEW the proceedings
in tho Havens-IIicks lighter case. The committee
was inclined to give 10 the most serious consideration,
but the spectators looked upon 1t as farce and con-
cluded to maze II at the expense OF the plaintiff who
must pay the SECULAR costs. - 80
Hicks and Mr. avens bon claimed In the presentation OF
the case Mr. Hicks, who OF the firm OF Fowler Brothers.
offered TO sell To Mr. Ravens. mouth ago, the lighter
sisson. his firm DESTROYS OF building larger boat
He offered 10 sell her for $4,000 On Friday last Mr
Ravens asked Mr. Hicks how much he would really sell
the boat for and he said $4,000.
I'll give you $1,000" said Mr. Ravens To which Mr
Hicks says he responded "Gve sixteen hundred dol
lar bills take her. Mr.: Ravens thought he meant
III GOO and lie said Done" but when he demanded his
boat Mr. Hicks explained what he said and what he
meant This did not suit Mr. navens and he submitted
his demand 10 the Complaint Committee
The plaintiff ana defendant were on hand promptly at
o'clock but apparently only Mr. ickss friends rallied
his support When Chairman iincken called the case
both men made their Attachments.
Mr. Ravens demand that MI Hicks and myself be both
Chairman Hmeken-Do you want your witnesses sworn
Mr. Eavens-wont you take their No. don't
hear what the Scripture saws ~
inckenMr Scril ture, 10 yousknow anything about
the sale OF q lighter by Mr. Hicks 10 MI Ravens .
Mr Scrpturc-I know nothing OF absolute sale. I've
heard OF reported sale.
MIR Iayens Ouerruptng-I insist that member being
put on HIS oath. tsoars OF laughter and atcas
Mr. unckon-1hat will do. Mr. scripture, see you know
nothing about the matter lLaugbier Have you any more
witne sses. Mr. Hayensi
Mr. Knecland OF the committee FL move that this case
~ dismissed.
Mr. Hincken-Its seconded All those who are in favor
Mr. Havens-Mr Chairman. before you dismiss tins
am gong word. iou will not dismiss this case
reat and eerN MT Chairman, did you not talk
10 ~ about this case several days agof
Mr. IincknYos and advised you not TO bring before
II as you had q violence TO stand upon.
Mr. lIavens-Then appeal from your decision You are
not competent to sit upon the case. 49,
Mr. vote throw out the case; IL is DIS
missed Three cheers were given for Mr.. Hicks
Mr. Havens-I notice that shall appeal this case
About noon, before heard. tin boat about
In length with the name sisson. or Hlcksville
upon the STERN placed on ono end OF the Hour table,
and the opposite end an automatic toyman with the
ysage OF Benjamin f. Butler On his breast was card
and printed thereon, BY lIavens, I'll get that lighter"
The toy was wound up and started toward the boat but
meeting an obstruction several Inches from the boat
simply kept feet working and made no progress Mr.
Ravens aud Mr. Hicks were as amused with II as were
the rest OF spectators After the Complaint committee
dismissed tho the automat0n was placed at dis
tauce from the boat with the card changed 10 BY
Ravens didn't that lighter" The affair made sport
for the members OF the Exchange all day long.